Kolo Toure has hailed the ‘history and spirit’ of Liverpool after officially completing his free transfer from Manchester City.

The centre-back’s deal at the Ethiad Stadium expired yesterday, and despite an agreement being in place with Toure for some time, the 32-year-old could not formally sign until the opening of the transfer window.

He was paraded today with his new no.4 shirt on the players’ first day back in pre-season.

He told the club’s website: ‘This means a lot to me. Firstly, I’m joining one of the best clubs in England.

‘When I left City it was important for me to stay in England because it’s the best league – and to join Liverpool is massive for me.

‘I chose Liverpool because of the history and because of the spirit of the team and the people here.’

Frustrated: Luis Suarez (Picture: Action Images)

Fellow new signings Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas and Simon Mignolet, were also present at the club’s Melwood training ground today, with the only absentees being players who have had international duty this summer, which includes wantaway striker Luis Suarez.

Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey also re-joined his team-mates despite increasing speculation about his future.

The 21-year-old has been linked with Norwich, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Swansea.

Swans chairman Huw Jenkins claims he has already opened discussions with the Reds about the midfielder.

‘There is an interest there and we are talking to Liverpool,’ he told the South Wales Evening Post.